My Writing Journey

Beginning in early teens years, I received a key lock diary as a gift. I still remember how extraordinary it felt writing my wishes and dreams in this special book. In the years to follow, I filled pages of journal books with innermost thoughts & feelings. As I began spreading my wings in changing residences, my esteemed journals became too burdensome to trek, and I resorted to burning them in personal ceremonial fires. It is here I began learning the art of letting go.

Clerical jobs in the 70’s and 80’s provided me the opportunity to develop business format writing. Balancing the business and creative sides of my nature, became essential, and a deep connection with creative writing and the power of personal story emerged. Sharing snippets of my life journey in letters to friends and family is still a pastime that suggests a memoir someday.During my spiritual seeking days in the late 80’s, stream of consciousness writing seemed to have a hold on me. At some point, I was introduced to automatic writing, a practice of tapping into one’s authentic being. Cultivating this art of inner accessing opened me up to the spirit of sweet surrender, allowing my soul to speak through my body. This ability continues to gift me with valuable healing, insight, and wisdom along the journey of living.

From 2006-2012, I was inspired to combine three favorite forms of creative expression (clay sculpture, photography, and inspirational message writing) by way of a note card line. Thus began my challenge and objective of fashioning my words clear and succinct. I didn't know it at the time, but those 6 years of writing, designing, promoting and selling inspirational note cards was remodeling me and my writing style. Inspirational snippet writing gave way to periodic essay writing. When a particular theme grabs my attention, I enjoy whipping up the occasional spiritual essay.From 2007-2011, during the last week of April, I could be found volunteering at a local storytelling festival. The spellbinding performances and spectacular workshops never failed to fill me with bliss. Every year upon arriving, one of the seasoned tellers would approach me and ask "are you a storyteller?" The first 4 years, I couldn't seem to wrap myself around a response. In the 5th year, I had an epiphany, and responded with deep inner resolve and conviction..."Yes, I am a storyteller! We all are! Every one of us is a walking story, with a story to tell if we so choose."In August, 2012, I created a travel blog during a life changing journey across country. How pleased I was with myself for blogging persistently during that 8-month period of living on the road. Some of those nights, I stayed up so late that my head bobbed onto my laptop keyboard from exhaustion. I really enjoyed blogging the highlights of my journey, and staying in touch with family and friends that way. Since that time, I've hardly blogged. As much as I miss it, a new writing style has arrived on the scene. A book waving to me from the horizon fills my field of vision. Tending to this creative project is a work in progress challenging me to dig deep into new writing territory. Despite deep-seated intentions to keep my pen writing daily, my commitment falls short, and I start… I stop… I start again. Why is it so easy to build enthusiasm, and then turn around and wiggle out of doing the work?

Whenever I let the process of book writing get to me, spirit aptly plunks before me writers, editors, and other encouraging voices to keep me moving forward. It is then my inner critic quiets down, and I envision a completed book in my hands, radiating a wide smile of deep fulfillment. I’m not there yet, although this vivid sensation keeps me advancing one page after another.

What i'm about to say is certainly not rocket science, but it's exactly what I needed to hear straight from a writing professional - "the key is commitment - showing up to write no matter what!" Thank you, Nikki, for showing up at just the perfect moment to share your expertise and encouragement to rev up my engine.No more than a week went by when another professional writer/editor appeared in my life. Imagine that? Having recently read my blog and a couple inspirational vignettes, she reached out my way offering the following words that caused my impassioned heart to rouse up and listen. "Your authentic voice comes through in your writing. And I think through your writing, you will inspire others to live more authentically too." Thank you, Mary, for reflecting to me what I have felt from the inside out, and needed to affirm from the outside in. What a blessing to be truly seen.Speaking of being seen, my beloved partner and supportive admirer has given me the nickname “She Who Walks With A Pad.” As you've probably figured out, this is a spin off from ‘Stands With A Fist’ referenced in the movie ‘Dances With Wolves.’ It's such an accurate observation and coining, as I am constantly jotting down ideas and notes, and would be thoroughly lost without a writing pad. Dearest Ran, I am deeply grateful for your pivotal presence encouraging me forward in my writing pursuit.

As I have evolved through the years, so has the path of my writing. Through this transformative craft, I am impassioned to birth the writer in me in order to uphold the power of personal story. Aspiring to inspire through life's insights, blessings, and lessons is an inner pulse that beats strong. In so being, my writing journey continues...